Coiba Island National Park
Coiba Island National Park
4.5
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles188 reviews
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Gerhard M
Freising, Germany13 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
The Coiba excursion is offered from $55, directly on the beach and up to $90 at the hotel, entrance National Park additional for locals or residents 5 dollars, for Touris 20 dollars. The indicated food was only available in simple form (noodles, instead of rice with chicken and also without indicated frutas. There was a big water bottle and a big Coke for everyone. So it's better to bring food and drinks yourself. The ride itself is lengthy and boring and board hard, about 1.5 hours straight out, back and forth the same. Then some unspectacular snorkeling opportunities and the visit to the national park with mini museum. Only at the end there is a really very beautiful dream beach with crocodile watching in the river. A real but also only highlight. Maybe too little for such a long day trip. You wouldn’t miss very much if you visit the beautiful beaches in Santa Catalina alone and forgo the excursion instead.
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Written 18 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Surrey 13
London, UK1,324 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Friends
We were sailing on the Star Clipper and the tender took about 20 of us to the island. White sands., but useful to have beach shoes as a bit stoney.

The water is very clear and lots of small crabs and fish. The relics from the Penal colony are very interesting.

The beach has a number of roped swinging beds which are lovely.

A very peaceful 2 hours
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Regine G
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Scuba Coiba organized a great 3-day trip with an overnight stay on Isla Simca. Small group, great accommodation and food, great dives. Everything was perfectly organized and the support from Corry was excellent and very personable. 100% recommended.
Google
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD10,795 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2017 • Couples
We stayed 4 nights at "La Bueno Vida" to visit this difficult to access Unesco site. Having to choose among Santa Catalina's many tour operators, our hotel manager recommended "Watching Dolphin", 100 meters down the road, as they specialized in snorkeling/hiking tours of the park. We continued our research with a dive center, a hotel outfitter, and a local bird expert, and they all confirmed this operator, managed by their French-English-Spanish speaking guide, a good choice.
My wife and I, 3 German girls, 2 French men, and a French couple with a 6 year old boy, met at 7:45AM at "Watching Dolphin" office to meet Francois, pay $60 + $20(National Park fee), fill out the Release Form, and choose our sized fins. Then we all gathered again at 8:15AM at the beachfront to follow Francois 100 meters to the riverside boat, outfitted with petrol tanks and food/drink cooler. The driver, his son, another guide, Benito, and Francois helped everyone aboard, find seats, and don life jackets. We were soon off at high speed over the moderate morning waves of the open Pacific.
90 minutes later, we arrived at a small island just off the long 123,000 acre Coiba Island(site of a 100 year prison that finished in 2004 and a year later claimed by UNESCO for its 80% "virgin tropical moist forest"). Here, everyone joined Francois for the 1st guided snorkel, while we were taken across to the main island with Benito, to walk the 1.7km Los Monos Trail. With a gain of 50 meters, the improved trail through the virgin forest provided several highponts; excellent photos of a large scrambling family of Capuchin monkeys, a Rufus-vented ground cuckoo, huge Monkey Ladder vines, and numerous calls of the Howler Monkey.
Picked up at our beach drop off, we went to another small island for the group's 2nd guided snorkel. The 35 minute swim involved fighting the current for 1/3 of the way, then drifting along the coral reef spotting 2 reef sharks, a large Pacific Green Turtle, and schools of Angel fish/Surgeon fish/a Needle fish, and more. Back aboard, we were delivered to the National Park Headquarters - museum, restrooms, and official buildings including a large shelter with tables for our provided picnic lunch. We also viewed the resident crocodile, "Tito", and climbed to the viewpoint behind the station, before the group departed for their 3rd guided snorkel, while we and Benito(and driver's son), climbed the 500 meter Cerro Gambute Trail. Its 130 meter gain(sometimes very steep) led through the tall canopy banyan trees that halfway up revealed 6 Howler Monkeys(endemic sub species isolated from the mainland for 10,000 years). With Benito's encouragement, they began barking away while we took close up photos, a wonderful and rare encounter. Later at the top, there were excellent views to the back bays of the island's northwest side, and also to the southeast, high above the park station. Returning down the steep trail, we searched for the elusive Scarlet Macaw but happy to settle for 3 Black Faced monkeys asleep on a large branch.
We rejoined the group and boarded for the 90 minute return along the Panama coast to try to spot dolphins. The waves varied from nearly smooth between the islands, to a hard chop in the open sea, when finally about 2/3rds of the way back, we saw large pods of feeding Pacific Spotted Dolphins. With Francois beaming in his intense desire to provide a full experience, we were soon back at the calm Santa Catalina Beach and the short walk to our showers, capping off an exhilarating day's experience.
Written 21 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Oslogeek
Oslo, Norway16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2014 • Solo
I stayed in this fantastic place for 3 days, and I loved every second of it. The Island is remote, and it all is as tranquil as it can be. The beds are humble if you stay in dorms, but clean and comfortable. The beach are busy with tours and other tourist two hours a day, the rest of the 24 hours you will get the feeling of having it to your self. To me it felt like a peace of paradise wich I did not expect. In my first day I saw Nekus, monkeys, Tito the huge crock and more crabs and birds then I can count. We also saw a turtle out in the sea, and whales from fare, but they where there. This Island is not putting the name "little Galapagos" to shame. The rangers are extreemly friendly and even shared their food with us.

To go here you need the following: Bikini, and a throwover. Food and water for your stay, mosquito repelent and your camera.

Shuttle is ordered from Santa Catalina ap. 70 USD, and so is diving if you want to that. Diving is spectacular here, and on one of our dives we saw 7 sharks at once... that is spectacular anywhere :)

Do your self a favour and go!!!!! One tip is to do a diving trip or any other trip, have them leave you at the Island and then pick you a few days later. That will save you the transport fee and get yo u two for one. I paid 200 USD for two dives and 3 days on the Island. That was the cheapest one I could find.
Written 29 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

El_Chiners
Panama City, Panama2,055 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2012 • Friends
For years, I've been wanting to visit Coiba Island. I'm a Panamanian citizen living abroad, and before moving away from Panama, whenever I thought about Coiba, the only idea showing up in mind was that of a harsh prison island full of dangerous residents. Just what every other Panamanian like me thought for decades. It's precisely that notion what has kept Coiba in a pristine condition, as few people were interested in visiting it until recent years. Only a few foreigners, brave enough to venture to a little-known country when compared to Costa Rica, were interested in visiting it, because of all of the natural marvels that Coiba has to offer.

Coiba is a haven for a great number of inland and sea-dwelling animals, just like other isolated islands off the Pacific coast of the Americas, like Cocos (Costa Rica), Malpelo (Colombia) and Galapagos (Ecuador). As a matter of fact, these wonderful biological reserves form a marine corridor where pelagic animals abound.

I spent 3 days in Coiba Island with a group which included good friends and my mom, and we had a great time. It was humpback whale mating season, so we couldn't help see a bunch of whales whenever we set out every single day from our camp. Sometimes even without leaving the camp, just across the bay. And there was wildlife everywhere we looked: scarlet macaws flying around the southern parts of the island; dolphins and whales jumping all over the place; reef sharks, rays, turtles and countless schools of fish in the countless coral reefs surrounding Coiba and neighboring islands, howler monkeys waking you up while taking a nap; etc.

The best part of it: we never saw any other person as far as our eyes could see whenever we left the camp, where there were between 10 and 14 more people (including park rangers and tour operator staff). It seemed like all of this natural bounty was flashing its beauty for our eyes only.

Now I just have to go back during another season. I already witnessed the humpback whale season, now I'd love to see the largest fish come to Coiba's waters during the whale shark season, from December to April...
Written 24 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

reny v
14 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2017 • Family
Coiba is a beautiful nature reserve. We went snorkeling and saw so many different fish, turtles, whales, dolphins. Amazing. But we didn' t get to see Coiba Island. The 20 dollars we had to pay for entering the park weren' t payed there but were kept by Vincento, the guy who organised the trip. He had told the guide we only wanted to go snorkeling. Luckely our hotel helped us to get some of out money back. But we never get to see the island and the naturereserve missed out of a lot of money. So don' t let this happen to you. The entrencefee is paid ay the rangerstation on the island and nowhere else.
Written 23 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Camilo C
Santa Catalina, Panama359 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2015 • Solo
It is necessary to be in contact directly with ANAM (National Authority of the Environment) by telephone +507 998 4271, remember is not usual they speak english and always ask for the confirmation by email. Is really important to be clear with them about the new policies that requires a responsable person and a boat to stay from the tour operator, the kitchen use and the cutlery and gas for the stove, ask that the confirmation you receive be email it to you. To avoid any inconvenience be completely sure they understand that you want to stay at Coiba island by your own responsibility and not as a part of any multiday organized by some tour operator and have this confirmation in written.
Written 7 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MarKris T
Victoria, Canada126 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2015 • Couples
This is one of those places that is difficult to describe. It is a "tropical island" by every definition. It looks imposing from a distance, inviting from just off shore, and a place you won't want to leave once you get on the beach. There are a few small cabins for those that want to stay a few days, but we didn't investigate them as we did this as part of a shore excursion while touring past on a cruise. We spent about six hours here snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. If you are lucky enough to come close to this island paradise, don't pass up the chance... stop off for a visit.
Written 15 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lizzy
New Jersey11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2013 • Couples
We cannot recommend Tanager Tourism more highly. From my first contact with them to the entirety of our trip, they were helpful, accommodating, and pleasant ... and even willing to work with my (very difficult) request of a gluten free menu.

Our trip to Coiba Island with Tanager Tourism was the most amazing experience. We were looking for a compromise between a serious diving location (for my husband) and some beautiful beginner snorkeling (for myself), and this was the best decision we could've made. From the first moment we arrived at Hotel Heliconia, we were so warmly received that all our (my?) concerns about our upcoming trip were gone. We had a lovely dinner with Loes and Kees, chatting about not only the trip, but also any and all conversation as if we were all old friends. Also worth mentioning ... they have reforested their land in a way that makes you take pause because of its beauty. The accommodations in the room itself were very nice, and they prepped us on what to expect the next few days, in terms of what to expect from our trip and what we might want to bring along (my husband is an adventurous sort, but I was happy to have some information about the trip).

The boat trip to Coiba (about 3 hours) was beautiful. Not only was the trip very scenic and enjoyable, but Kees and Marcos stopped to show us dolphins, a snake, and a turtle (which I was very much hoping to see). We got to the island (which was incredible), and went to snorkle the same day, seeing the most beautiful things in my life. I had the most amazing time.

**A note to inexperienced travelers like myself*** DO NOT GET SUNBURNED! I put on my regular sunblock the first day, but being from New Jersey, I did not equip myself for the strength of the sun. While I had the most amazing time that first day, I managed to debilitate myself for the rest of the trip due to the severity of the sunburn I got on the back of my legs. The sun here is no joke. If you're not used to it, prepare for the worst. I could've had a much more enjoyable experience had I been better prepared for the sun. This is, of course, no ones fault by my own - just a word of precaution.**

The rest of the trip was spent snorkeling and hiking in the beautiful surroundings. My husband was able to be somewhat adventurous in his snorkeling while I was still able to see many beautiful things from the surface. Kees really listened to what we were looking for and delivered the best experience for us both.

It is absolutely worth it to take the longer tour - the money you'll spend is negligible given the things you'll see (just don't get a sunburn! Or did I say that already?).

The return trip home was equally beautiful, and despite our being pressed for time, Loes gave us a "to go" meal of some kind of rice pie that was so good I am still trying my best to recreate it at home. Overall, a fantastic experience. We would both recommend the Coiba Island tour without reservation!

One note: the accommodations on Coiba Island are, as described, basic. There were not many people there at the time, so my husband and I had an 8 room cabin (with a bathroom) to ourselves, but that may not always be the case. I slept on a twin bed in my sleeping bag because (as a spoiled American) I was not comfortable with the quality of the mattress and pillow. My husband (as a European) was fine with the accommodations. Overall, the (somewhat lacking) accommodations are well worth the experience ... I just want other (spoiled Americans?) to be warned. :) The accommodations should certainly not deter you from experiencing Coiba!
Written 8 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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COIBA ISLAND NATIONAL PARK (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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